Mixed forms of religion contain certain elements of both simple and complex forms. Typically, this form of religion is without history e.g. Hinduism. The doctrines of Hinduism, unlike those of Christianity and Islam, are not embodied in any one sacred book, nor does Hinduism have a single historical founder. It is rich in contradictions, there being no particular belief or institution common to all Hindus.
Hinduism, lacking a centralized Church, is inextricably enlarged with the Hindu society, especially the caste system. The caste system, according to Rigveda has a divine origin, and is derived from the four varnas-Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras. In reality, however, there are innumerable jatis/castes, each of which claims to belong to one of the four varnas.
Hinduism does not have a body of clearly defined dogma, but some theological ideas may be considered basic. The character of any incarnation, human/animal, is influenced by karma, the net balance of good and bad deeds in previous births. Goodness or badness is defined by reference to dharma. The reward for a saintly life is moksha, which releases the individual from the chain of births and deaths and brings him into contact with God. The ideas of karma, dharma, moksha are intimately related to the caste system. Dharma is thus identified with the duties of one’s caste. The ways of achieving moksha are through knowledge, deeds, love and devotion towards God. It was Bhagvad Gita that first emphasized the ways of work and devotion
Mixed forms of religion contain certain elements of both simple and complex forms. Typically, this form of religion is without history e.g. Hinduism. The doctrines of Hinduism, unlike those of Christianity and Islam, are not embodied in any one sacred book, nor does Hinduism have a single historical founder. It is rich in contradictions, there being no particular belief or institution common to all Hindus.
Hinduism, lacking a centralized Church, is inextricably enlarged with the Hindu society, especially the caste system. The caste system, according to Rigveda has a divine origin, and is derived from the four varnas-Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras. In reality, however, there are innumerable jatis/castes, each of which claims to belong to one of the four varnas.
Hinduism does not have a body of clearly defined dogma, but some theological ideas may be considered basic. The character of any incarnation, human/animal, is influenced by karma, the net balance of good and bad deeds in previous births. Goodness or badness is defined by reference to dharma. The reward for a saintly life is moksha, which releases the individual from the chain of births and deaths and brings him into contact with God. The ideas of karma, dharma, moksha are intimately related to the caste system. Dharma is thus identified with the duties of one’s caste. The ways of achieving moksha are through knowledge, deeds, love and devotion towards God. It was Bhagvad Gita that first emphasized the ways of work and devotion